On Monday, from the White House, Donald Trump shared the inspiring journey of a Cuban immigrant who came to the United States with nothing and rose to become the largest gas station owner in the nation. Trump highlighted this story to exemplify the success achieved by Cuban exiles.
During his remarks on Cuba, which he described as a "failed nation" yet a "beautiful island" with tourism potential and fertile land, the President reflected on the Cuban immigrants who have made their way to the U.S.
"I've met so many people from Cuba who were treated poorly. They're here now and have become wealthy. They're very entrepreneurial, very intelligent," Trump stated.
He went on to mention his acquaintance, particularly noting Florida, who started with "nothing" and now stands as the largest gas station owner in the country. This reference was to Cuban entrepreneur Máximo Álvarez, the founder of Sunshine Gasoline Distributors.
The Journey of Sunshine Gasoline Distributors
Established in 1987, Sunshine Gasoline Distributors was founded by Álvarez, who arrived in Miami at the age of 13 through Operation Peter Pan. He played a significant role in the Florida Petroleum Marketers Association, even serving as the president of the board in 2000 and being inducted into its Hall of Fame in 2005.
Álvarez gained national attention during the 2020 Republican National Convention, where he delivered a speech comparing Cuban communism to perceived socialist trends in the United States. Since then, he has become more prominent as a Cuban exile, businessman, and political activist.
From Refugee to Business Leader
Álvarez has shared that he left Cuba on July 4, 1961, on the last cargo ship from Havana to West Palm Beach. Despite plans to reunite with his elder brother in Spain, a tragic accident on the day of his departure led to him staying in Miami.
In interviews, Álvarez has recounted how the real hardship was borne by his parents, who in one day lost a son and sent another away. This experience profoundly impacted his family and fuels his commitment to preserving the memory of Operation Peter Pan and advocating for Cuban youth seeking freedom.
A Path to Prosperity
Upon arriving in the U.S., Álvarez joined other refugee children at a camp in Kendall. Over time, he took on various jobs, including car washing, furniture assembly, Burger King, and gardening. These roles enabled him to save money, reunite with his parents after several years, and ultimately start his own business in the petroleum industry.
Álvarez graduated with a degree in business administration and later earned a master's in education and business. He worked for six years with petroleum companies, gaining sector knowledge before purchasing his first four gas stations in Miami.
Just a week ago, during Trump's visit to Doral, Florida, the President referred to Álvarez as a "friend," and on Monday, he used his story as a testament to the economic success possible for Cuban exiles in America.
Understanding Máximo Álvarez’s Success Story
Who is Máximo Álvarez?
Máximo Álvarez is a Cuban-born entrepreneur who founded Sunshine Gasoline Distributors in the United States. He is recognized as the largest owner of gas stations in the country.
What was Operation Peter Pan?
Operation Peter Pan was a program that brought over 14,000 Cuban children to the United States between 1960 and 1962 to escape the communist regime. Máximo Álvarez was one of these children.
How did Álvarez start his business in the U.S.?
After working various jobs, Álvarez saved money to reunite with his family and eventually ventured into the petroleum industry. He gained experience working for oil companies before purchasing his own gas stations.